Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti Recipe

Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a vibrant and aromatic curry dish that brings together the bold flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist, inspired by the well-known duo, the Hairy Bikers. These two culinary enthusiasts, Dave Myers and Si King, have created a beloved version of this dish that is both hearty and full of rich, deep spices.

A Balti curry, originally from Birmingham in the UK, is typically a flavorful and slightly tangy curry served in a steel pot, known as a "balti." The Hairy Bikers’ recipe for Chicken Balti makes use of fresh ingredients and a variety of spices, which come together to create a dish that is both comforting and full of layers of flavor. Unlike some curries that are heavy on cream or coconut milk, the Hairy Bikers’ version focuses more on the seasoning and cooking technique, giving you a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and depth.

The dish is perfect for a family dinner or even a dinner party, as it’s not only delicious but also visually appealing when served in the traditional Balti dish. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make but flavorful curry to add to your cooking repertoire, Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is the perfect choice.

Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare the Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients to bring out the best in this dish. The right combination of spices and vegetables is essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless) – The chicken is the main protein for this dish, and thighs are preferred because they tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Onion – A finely chopped onion forms the base of the curry sauce, adding both sweetness and texture.
• Garlic and ginger – Freshly minced garlic and ginger create a fragrant foundation for the curry’s rich flavor profile.
• Tomatoes – Fresh or canned tomatoes provide the tangy base that balances the spices in the curry.
• Green chili – For a touch of heat, green chilies can be used. The amount can be adjusted based on your desired spice level.
• Spices – This is where the magic happens! You’ll need ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, ground chili powder, and ground cinnamon. These spices work together to create the signature flavor of a Balti.
• Fresh cilantro – To garnish, giving the curry a fresh herbal finish.
• Yogurt – Plain yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and gives the curry a creamy texture.
• Vegetable oil – Used to cook the onions and spices.
• Lemon juice – Adds a zesty tang to brighten up the curry.
• Water or chicken stock – For adjusting the consistency of the sauce.

Equipment Needed

To make this delicious Chicken Balti, you’ll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment. Some of these may be readily available in most kitchens, while others might be slightly more specialized:

1. A Balti dish or large frying pan – Traditionally, Balti curries are served in a round, flat-bottomed steel pot known as a “balti”. However, you can easily use a large frying pan or wok.
2. Knife and chopping board – For prepping all the ingredients, including chopping the chicken and vegetables.
3. Grater or garlic press – To grate or crush fresh ginger and garlic for maximum flavor.
4. Wooden spoon – For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
5. Measuring spoons – To ensure the spices are measured accurately, achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
6. Serving bowls – To serve the finished curry, ideally with naan bread or rice.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti

Now that you have the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s walk through the steps to make Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti.

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, absorbing all the rich flavors of the curry.

2. Fry The Spices

   • Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large Balti dish or frying pan over medium heat. Add the cumin, coriander, ground chili, garam masala, and ground cinnamon. Fry the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to release their aroma. This is an important step to develop the depth of flavor.

3. Cook The Onion, Garlic, And Ginger

   • Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté it until soft and golden, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, continuing to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add The Tomatoes And Chili

   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and the green chili. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes begin to break down and soften, around 5 minutes.

5. Cook The Chicken

   • Add the chopped chicken pieces into the pan. Stir them into the tomato-spice mixture, ensuring they are coated well. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.

6. Add The Yogurt And Simmer

   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the yogurt. This will add creaminess and help tenderize the chicken. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency. Let the curry simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Season And Garnish

   • Season the curry with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the curry for a burst of freshness.

8. Serve

   • Serve the Chicken Balti hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread, and enjoy!

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

While the Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti recipe is simple to follow, there are a few tips and tricks that can take your dish to the next level:

• Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken with a bit of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and some of the spices for about an hour before cooking. This step will make the chicken more flavorful and juicy.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the green chili. Conversely, increase the chili if you like more heat.
• Add a touch of cream: For an even richer dish, you can add a splash of double cream at the end of cooking, although this is not part of the traditional Balti style.
• Use fresh spices: Using fresh spices will bring out a more robust flavor. If you have the time and equipment, try to grind whole spices for even more intensity in your curry.
• Balance the acidity: If your curry feels too sour from the tomatoes or yogurt, balance it out with a small amount of sugar or a drizzle of honey. It will give the dish a lovely balance of sweetness and tang.

Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti is a flavorful, aromatic dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its combination of spices, tender chicken, and creamy yogurt, it’s a comforting yet vibrant curry that’s easy to prepare at home.

By following the step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Balti without the need for special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can master this recipe and create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!.

Simple Twists On Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti Recipe

The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti recipe is already a vibrant, flavorful dish, but if you’re in the mood for experimenting or elevating the classic, there are plenty of simple twists you can add to make it uniquely yours. These modifications can introduce a variety of textures, flavors, and regional variations that make the dish even more exciting.

1. Add Extra Veggies: If you want to make the dish more colorful and nutritious, add extra vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, peas, or cauliflower. These vegetables will absorb the spices and add a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the dish. Spinach, in particular, wilts beautifully and complements the rich, saucy nature of a balti.
2. Swap the Chicken for Lamb or Paneer: If you’re craving a different protein or a vegetarian option, lamb or paneer can be excellent substitutes. Lamb works well with the spices of a balti and provides a tender texture, while paneer offers a rich, creamy contrast to the aromatic spices.
3. Introduce Coconut Milk or Yogurt: For a creamier texture, consider adding coconut milk or Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking. Coconut milk will impart a subtle sweetness and tropical flavor, while yogurt will bring a velvety richness that tones down the heat and gives the dish a comforting finish.
4. Add a Touch of Tamarind or Lemon: A bit of tamarind paste or fresh lemon juice can introduce a delightful tanginess to the dish. Tamarind offers a slightly sour flavor with a hint of sweetness, while lemon gives a refreshing burst of acidity that can help balance the richness of the curry.
5. Infuse with Aromatic Herbs: While coriander is commonly used in a balti, consider experimenting with fresh mint, curry leaves, or even basil to give the dish a fresh, aromatic layer. Mint, in particular, adds a bright and refreshing contrast to the depth of the curry, while curry leaves bring an authentic South Asian flavor.
6. Spice it Up with Fresh Chilies or Chili Paste: If you love heat, add extra fresh chilies or chili paste. Thai bird’s eye chilies or Kashmiri chili paste can infuse the dish with a fiery kick and a deeper, more complex heat than regular chili powder.
7. Serve with Naan or Roti Variations: Instead of traditional naan or roti, try serving the balti with garlic naan, stuffed paratha, or even a sweet paratha. The garlic naan adds an aromatic layer, while a stuffed paratha (with potatoes, paneer, or even a spiced potato filling) will give a delightful surprise to your meal.

These tweaks are simple but can take the dish from everyday comfort food to something a little more special and tailored to your tastes.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Leftovers from a hearty chicken balti meal can be just as delicious the next day, but proper storage is essential to maintaining both safety and flavor. Here’s how you can store your leftover balti so it stays fresh:

1. Cool Down Before Storing: Allow your leftover chicken balti to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. Hot food can raise the temperature of your fridge and create an environment where bacteria can thrive. Aim to cool the food within two hours of cooking.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Once cooled, transfer the chicken balti into airtight containers. This will prevent air from getting in and drying out the curry. Glass containers or high-quality plastic ones are ideal because they don’t absorb odors or stain easily.
3. Label and Date: It’s always a good practice to label your containers with the date they were made. That way, you can keep track of how long the leftovers have been in the fridge.
4. Refrigeration: Store your chicken balti in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that, the quality of the food may decline, and bacteria can start to grow.
5. Freezing for Later: If you don’t think you’ll finish the leftovers within a few days, freezing them is a great option. Chicken balti freezes very well. To do so, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
6. Reheating Leftovers: When reheating, always make sure the food is heated through thoroughly, ideally to a temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to kill off any potential bacteria. You can reheat it in a microwave, stovetop, or oven. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the curry from drying out.

What To Eat With Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti?

Chicken Balti is a rich and flavorful curry, and pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal to new heights. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it:

1. Naan Bread: A soft, pillowy naan is a must when eating chicken balti. The bread is perfect for scooping up the sauce, and it complements the spiciness of the curry beautifully. You can opt for plain naan, garlic naan, or even a butter naan for extra richness.
2. Rice: A serving of fragrant basmati rice is an ideal base for the curry. The light, fluffy rice soaks up the sauce, giving each bite a perfect balance of flavor. Alternatively, you can try jeera rice (cumin rice), which adds a subtle extra layer of flavor with the aromatic cumin.
3. Raita: Raita is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish that can help cool down the heat from the curry. You can make a basic cucumber raita or a more complex one with mint, coriander, or roasted cumin seeds. The coolness of the yogurt contrasts nicely with the spicy chicken balti.
4. Chapati or Roti: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option than naan, chapati or roti can be a great accompaniment. These thin, unleavened flatbreads are perfect for wrapping around chunks of chicken and soaking up the curry sauce.
5. Popadoms: A crispy popadom can provide a delightful crunch alongside the rich balti. You can serve them as an appetizer or break them into pieces to sprinkle on top of the curry for texture. Pair them with mango chutney or a tangy tamarind dip for added flavor.
6. Vegetable Sides: Balti dishes are often quite rich, so serving them with lighter vegetable dishes can provide a good contrast. Consider serving a side of saag aloo (spinach and potatoes), baingan bharta (roasted eggplant mash), or a simple vegetable curry to balance the meal.
7. Pickles and Chutneys: A tangy mango chutney or spicy lime pickle can add a burst of flavor and a bit of heat to each bite. These condiments also help cleanse the palate between bites of the rich and spicy curry.

Conclusion

The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti recipe is already a fantastic dish, but with a few simple twists, you can transform it into something new and exciting every time you make it. Whether you’re adding extra vegetables, swapping proteins, or experimenting with different spices, there are endless ways to make this dish your own.

Remember to store leftovers properly to preserve both flavor and safety, and always serve your balti with complementary sides like naan, rice, and raita to create a balanced and delicious meal. Happy cooking!.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti Recipe?

The Hairy Bikers’ chicken balti recipe requires boneless chicken thighs, onions, garlic, ginger, and a selection of spices such as garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. You’ll also need tomatoes, yogurt, and fresh coriander to finish off the dish. For the base, you’ll require vegetable oil or ghee and stock (chicken or vegetable).

How Long Does It Take To Cook The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti?

The cooking time for the Hairy Bikers’ chicken balti recipe is approximately 45 minutes. This includes time for marinating the chicken (if desired) and simmering the ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce. However, the actual active cooking time is around 30 minutes, with the dish needing a few minutes to simmer and absorb all the flavors.

Can I Make The Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Balti Recipe In Advance?

Yes, you can make the Hairy Bikers’ chicken balti recipe in advance. The flavors often improve after a few hours or even overnight, as the spices and chicken continue to marinate in the sauce.

To store it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a little water or stock to adjust the consistency, as it may thicken while stored.